Report on 2017 World TB Day Commemoratio

REPORT ON 2017 WORLD

TUBERCULOSIS DAY

COMMEMORATION

THEME: UNITE TO END TB

VENUE: TNA PARK, TARKWA -WESTERN REGION

DATE: 24 TH MARCH, 2017

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to extend our most sincere appreciation to National TB Control Programme and

the TB Ambassador, Ehunabobrim Nana Prah Agyensaim for selecting the Western

Region and Tarkwa in particular to launch the 2017 World TB Day Commemoration

I wish to acknowledge the efficient technical supervision and guidance that was

provided by Dr. Frank Bonsu-Programme Manager NTP, Dr. Emmanuel Tinkorang-

Western Regional Director of Health Service and Dr. Kofi Asemanyi-Mensah- Western

Regional Deputy Director Public Health. I wish to also extend sincere gratitude and

acknowledgement to all the planning committee members.

Special commendation goes to Agudey Daniel Tetteh-Regional TB Coordinator, Mutala

Mohammed Regional TB M & E Focal Person, Mildred Komey-Regional Malaria Focal

Person and Mercy Nkrumah- Municipal TB Coordinator for their immense support and

working tirelessly during the preparatory and launching day activities.

None of this achievement would have been possible without the active involvement of

colleagues at the National TB Unit, the Regional and District Health Administration.

Finally I want to thank all and sundry who in one way or the other contributed in

making the launching of 2017 World TB Day Commemoration in Tarkwa in the Western

Region successful.

Emmanuel Affelkum

Municipal Director of Health Service

Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Health Directorate

Western Region

Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .......................................................................................................................... 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 4

2.0 2017 WORLD TB DAY COMMEMORATION ........................................................................... 5

2.0 PRE-LAUNCHING ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................. 5

2.1 BUDGET PREPARATION ........................................................................................................ 5

2.2 REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE ................................................................................ 6

2.3 MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMITTEE .............................................................................. 6

3.0 PREPAREDNESS TOUR AND MEETING WITH NTP REPRESENTATIVE ................... 6

3.0 PARTICIPATION: .......................................................................................................................... 7

4.0 LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENT ................................................................................................. 8

5.0 PUBLICITY ..................................................................................................................................... 9

5.1 RADIO DISCUSSION ...................................................................................................................... 9

6.0 HEALTH SCREENING ............................................................................................................... 10

7.0 PRESS BRIEFING ......................................................................................................................... 11

8.0 LAUNCH ..................................................................................................................................... 12

8.2 CHAIRMAN’S RESPONSE .................................................................................................... 17

8.2.1 WELCOME ADDRESS BY WESTERN REGIONAL MINISTER ............................... 18

8.2.2 ADDRESS BY WHO COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE ............................................... 20

8.2.3 REMARKS BY DIRECTOR PUBLIC HEALTH, GHANA HEALTH SERVICE ...... 21

8.2.4 UPDATE ON TB CONTROL IN GHANA, PROGRAMME MANAGER NTP ....... 24

8.2.5 TESTIMONY BY TB SATIFIED CLIENT ...................................................................... 26

8.2.6 ADDRESSED BY TB AMBASSADOR .......................................................................... 28

8.2.7 KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY DIRECTOR GENERAL (DG) - GHANA HEALTH

SERVICE ............................................................................................................................................ 30

8.2.8 STIGMA REDUCTION CAMPAIGN LAUNCH ........................................................ 32

9.0 VOTE OF THANKS .................................................................................................................... 33

10.0 CLOSING ...................................................................................................................................... 34

12.0 BUDGET ESTIMATE ............................................................................................................... 35

13.0 EXPENDITURE ........................................................................................................................ 35

14.0 ACCOUNTABILITY ................................................................................................................ 37

14.0 PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT........................................................................................... 38

16.0 LESSONS LEARNT...................................................................................................................... 38

17.0 CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................... 39

PHOTO GALLERY .................................................................................................................................. 40

1.0 INTRODUCTION

All over the world, 24th March is commemorated as World TB Day after the discovery of

the germ that causes tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in 1882 by Dr. Robert

Koch. Since this discovery, the world has made tremendous strides in the fight against

TB. The day has been set aside by the WHO and the International Union Against TB and

Lung Disease (IUATLD) in honor of this achievement and also to remind all actors to

support the course of TB. Many years after the discovery of the TB germ by Dr. Koch, the

disease seems to be raging on therefore making it important to continue to commemorate it

to send messages across to draw attention to the disease.

TB ranks alongside HIV/AIDS as the leading cause of death worldwide. In 2014, 9.6

million people fell ill with TB. Of this number, 1.2 million of them also had HIV; 1

million of them were children; 1.5 million people died from the disease; 6 million

(63%) were diagnosed by NTPs and 480,000 people developed multi drug resistant

TB.

In Ghana the current surveillance system is detecting about 54.2 per 100,000. Case

Detection Rate (CDR) is 33% and Male: Female ratio of diagnosed cases is 2:1. The

TB/HIV Co-infection Rate is 22%.

This shortfall in case detection may be due largely to the low sensitivity of screening

and diagnostic tools, poor access to TB services by patients, stigma and low health

infrastructure coverage of diagnostic and health care services. To address this, the NTP

has evolved new approaches to case finding which are currently implemented

successfully in 90 selected districts across the country with plans for scale up.

The country has made strides in diagnosing TB cases in both adults and children. New

diagnostic tools have been continually introduced to improve diagnostic capacity apart

from the use of the standard light microscopes for sputum examination.

2.0 2017 WORLD TB DAY COMMEMORATION

The Ghana health Service in collaboration with the National TB Control Programme

and the TB Ambassador, Ehunabobrim Nana Prah Agyensaim selected the Western

Region and Tarkwa in particular to launch the 2017 World TB Day Commemoration

under the theme “Unite to End TB” and it reflects a calls upon all partners and

stakeholders to unite towards achieving the goal of TB elimination by 2030.

Objectives for World TB day 2017 commemoration are:

To place TB high on the political agenda of the country through the Ministry of

Health and to increase commitment of all stakeholders to END TB in Ghana by

2035

To attract more partners into TB control in Ghana

To empower affected communities towards ending the TB epidemic in Ghana

To increase public awareness on the threat TB poses

Combat stigma and discrimination against TB patients

Mobilize resources to fight the disease.

To reduce catastrophic cost on TB affected families

2.0 PRE-LAUNCHING ACTIVITIES

2.1 BUDGET PREPARATION

A budget was prepared for discussion and subsequent release of funds. Funding was

from NTP. An amount of Fifty three thousand five hundred and eighty Ghana Cedis

(GHC 53,580) was approved and released by the National Tuberculosis for the

launching.

2.2 REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE

To ensure a successful organization and launch of the programme, a five-member

planning committee was formed with the responsibility of effectively supporting the

planning and ensuring the smooth implementation of the launch.

2.3 MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMITTEE

At the municipal level various committees were formed and inaugurated by the

Municipal Director. The committees included the following:

a. Screening /first Aid committee/emergency response

b. Press Briefing / Publicity committee

c. Photo graph/video coverage

d. Mobilization/ Entertainment committee

e. Refreshment committee

f. Launch Day Activities Committee

Roles and responsibilities were assigned and teams were tasked to meet and plan their

work. In this regard, each committee held three meetings prior to the launch. The

meetings were held to:

Identify and select the chair and key dignitaries as well as their invitation for the

launching

Identify and invite participants

Logistical Arrangement

Select venue for the launching

3.0 PREPAREDNESS TOUR AND MEETING WITH NTP REPRESENTATIVE

A meeting was held with key officers from the regional health directorate and two

representatives from NTP, Cynthia Oware and Hilda Smith. The purpose of the meeting

was to officially inform the region of the intended launch and assess the regions’ and

municipals’ preparation. The team also took advantage of the visit to be part of the

initial meeting of the host district, Tarkwa Municipal Health Directorate. During that

meeting, the Municipal Health Directorate outlined key activities done prior to the

launch. The national team was pleased about the work done and also made the

following input:

Requested that students earmarked for the float be provided with lunch

instead of snack.

Suggested to give coupons to dignities who would go for the buffet.

Requested for photo book to be made.

It was agreed to recognize AngloGold for their support by adding their

company logo on the banners

3.0 PARTICIPATION:

A total of Eight hundred and Ninety three (893) participants attended the event. These

included the following categories:

Regional Coordinating Council

Officers from the Western Regional Health Directorate,

District Directors of Health Services

District TB Focal Persons

2 officers from each District Assembly (DCE and HIV Focal Person)

Traditional leaders (1 representative from Western Regional House of Chiefs and

a representative for Queen Mothers and their entourage)

Media (both print and electronic)

Religious bodies (Christian Council and the Muslim Mission)

Representative from the Coalition of NGOs in Health

Representative from Ghana Registered Nurses Association

Representative from the Public and Private Health Facilities

Representatives from women’s groups

GHS Headquarters

Ghana Education Service

WHO Representatives

Mining Companies

NAP+/ Public Works Department

Municipal Security Council

Heads of Departments (HODs)

Market Women Association

Chemical Sellers Association

Ghana Association for the Disabled

Representatives from municipal Youth Council

Cultural Troop and Dancers

Seamstress and Dressmakers Association

Students from Nurses and Midwifery Training College, Tarkwa

Pupils from satellite JHS schools in Tarkwa

4.0 LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENT

The launching was residential for nine far distant districts. They arrived a day

prior to the launching and some could not leave as it was too late. The remaining

districts arrived on the morning of the launch.

Dignitaries and all invited guests were provided lunch after the launch

Dignitaries and some invited guests were refunded for their transportation cost

and other invited guests were provided fuel for transportation based on mileage

to the launch venue.

5.0 PUBLICITY

5.1 RADIO DISCUSSION

A total of twelve radio discussions were organized in seven FM/radio stations namely;

Twin City, Good News Radio, Pure FM, Dynamite FM, Medeama FM, Adwenepa FM

and Space FM to help create awareness of the World TB Day Commemoration at the

Regional and Municipal level. The Regional Health Promotion Officer, Municipal

Health Promotion Officer, NCCE Director, Municipal Assembly Public Relation Officer,

Municipal TB Coordinator The Senior Nursing officer (PH), were present to discuss

issues concerning the commemoration and also TB prevalence in the country as a whole

and Tarkwa Nsuaem in particular. There was also a phone-in session where callers had

the opportunity to ask questions concerning the issues discussed.

Fourteen (14) media houses were invited for the day of launching. This included

three print: Ghana News Agency, Ghanaian Times and Graphic, Seven FM stations

and Four television stations: GBC, TV3, Adom and UTV

6.0 HEALTH SCREENING

Health screening activities were carried out in three communities out of five

communities earmarked for the health screening. The communities include Akoon,

Nsuaem TOP and Tarkwa Na Aboso. During the screening exercised thirteen (13)

confirmed TB cases were detected. Of the 13, six (6) were from Akoon, three (3) from

Nsuaem TOP and the remaining Four (4) were detected on the launch day at the

Launch venue (TNA Park).

7.0 PRESS BRIEFING

Media briefing was organized in Tarkwa to launch World TB day. Mr. Emmanuel

Affelkum, the Municipal Director of Health Services announced, during a media

encounter, that the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality contributed about 20 percent of all

reported Tuberculosis cases in the Western Region. He attributed the increase to the

dominating activities of small scale miners. He said it was estimated that more than 95

percent of reported TB cases have a history of illegal mining either directly or indirectly.

Mr. Affelkum said even though they have only four diagnostic facilities, the health

directorate over the years had made significant progress in TB case detection,

management and outcome assessment.

The Municipal Health Director mentioned inadequate diagnostic sites, logistics and

laboratory equipment, erratic shortage of TB drugs and non-adherence to treatment

regime by clients as some challenges confronting them. He said as the World Health

Organization plans to end TB by 2030, the Directorate would organize training for

health staff, extend the screening programme to illegal miners and prayer camps.

Assembly members will also be encouraged to advocate for TB elimination at the unit

committee levels as well as intensify their monthly review meeting and join TB/HIV

support visits to health facilities, he added. According to Mr. Affelkum, ending TB

would only be achieved with greater collaboration within and across government

agencies, and with partners from civil societies, communities, researchers, the private

sectors and development agencies.

8.0 LAUNCH

The Launch was preceded with:

Cultural performance and exhibition and medical screening at the launching

grounds.

Street procession by students of two Senior High Schools and Midwifery Training

School in Tarkwa. The procession began at UMaT basic school and ended at TNA

Park, the venue of the Launch of the World TB Day.

8.1 OPENING

The opening prayer was said by Very Rev. Thomas Amposah Donkor, Methodist

Bishop of Tarkwa and representative from the Christian Council of Churches.

He was introduced by Nana Esi Brew Monney and Daniel Abakah, the Masters of

Ceremony (MCs).

This was followed by the introduction of dignitaries present. Among the dignitaries

were TB Ambassador, Ehunabobrim Nana Prah Agyensaim, Dr. Frank Bonsu, (Program

Manager- National Tuberculosis Control Programme) Dr. Nii Nortey Hanson Nortey,

(Deputy Program Manager- National Tuberculosis Control Programme), , Dr. Badu

Sarkodie (Director Public Health), Dr. Kaba, (Director–Institutional Care Unit), Dr.

Anthony Nsiah-Asare (Director General GHS), Dr. Emmanuel Tinkorang (Western

Regional Director of Health), Dr. Kofi Asemanyi-Mensah (Western Regional Deputy

Director- Public Health) Ghana Health Service, Representatives of the Western Regional

House of Chiefs), departmental heads from the RCC, District Directors from the Ghana

Health Service, Municipal Coordinating Director , the media, some Chiefs and their

Queen mothers and students from Midwifery Training School (MTC), Tarkwa.

Ms. Naomi Aba Odorku (Senior Nursing Officer- Municipal Hospital Tarkwa),

introduced Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II (Omanhene of Wassa Amenfi Traditional

Area) as the chairperson for the occasion.

8.2 CHAIRMAN’S RESPONSE

In his response, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, Omanhene of Wassa Amenfi Traditional

Area thanked the National TB Control Programme and the TB Ambassador,

Ehunabobrim Nana Prah Agyensaim and the Planning for choosing him as the chair

for the occasion. Tetrete called on all gathered to pay attention to listen and understand

the TB issues at stake.

He added that many a times TB patients tend to suffer severe stigma and are ostracized

because of the cultural stigma attached to the disease. He therefore called on everybody

to disabuse their minds on these myths and learn about the real facts of the disease. This

would enable us confront and assist the infected people and their families.

8.2.1 WELCOME ADDRESS BY WESTERN REGIONAL MINISTER

The Regional Minister on behalf of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC),

welcomed invited guest Western Region, precisely Tarkwa on the occasion of the

launch of the National Commemoration of World TB Day 2017. He thanked the

National Planning Committee in collaboration with the National TB Ambassador

Ehunabobrim Nana Prah Agyensaim for selecting the Western Region and Tarkwa in

particular to host the 2017 World TB Day Commemoration under theme “Unite to End

TB”.

The Regional Minister said the World Health Organization (WHO) has called on

countries and partners to "Unite to End Tuberculosis"; the call comes as we enter the

era of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He said ending tuberculosis (TB)

by 2030 is a target of the SDGs and the goal of the WHO End TB Strategy. While

there has been significant progress in the fight against TB, with 43 million lives saved

since 2000, the battle is only half-won: over 4000 people lose their lives each day to

this leading infectious disease. Many of the communities that are most burdened by

tuberculosis are those that are poor, vulnerable and marginalized.

On Regional Performance he indicated that in 2016, the region performed well in the

TB Control Program. TB cure rate improved from 70 per cent in 2014 to 84 per cent in

2015; whilst treatment success rate increased from 89 per cent in 2014 to 91 per cent in

2015. Coincidentally Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal performed so well in TB control

activities in the just ended Regional Health Performance Review 2016.

On performance he said in spite of the successes, some key challenges still exist. This

includes low TB case detection and High TB death rate. In 2016, Western Region

recorded a case detection of only 19% and 32% for all forms and new smears pulmonary

TB cases respectively. Similarly the region recorded a death rate of 6 per cent in 2016

which is higher than the expected.

Improving Early TB Case Detection, He continued that as part of national strategy, the

region has put in place interventions to improve case detection. These interventions

included:

i. Improving hospital-based TB case detection

ii. Improving TB case detection among persons living with HIV (PLHIV)

iii. Improving TB case detection among other high risk groups (diabetics, children

etc.) and screening in small scale mining communities

iv. Improving contact tracing & investigations in households of index pulmonary TB

cases

v. Involving pharmacies and chemical sellers to improve TB case detection

The Regional Minister said ending TB will only be achieved with greater

collaboration within and across governments, and with partners from civil society,

communities, researchers, the private sector and development agencies. This means

engaging all stakeholders and the use of a multidisciplinary approach, in the context

of universal health coverage.

He continued that the risk of TB in Ghana and for that matter in Western Region is high.

TB anywhere is TB everywhere. We are all at risk. The good news is that TB is curable if

we seek early treatment. He reiterated the need for persons coughing for two weeks or

more should report to the nearest health facility, avoid overcrowded rooms and ensure

proper ventilation. He further stated that TB patients should be encouraged to complete

treatment rather than being ostracized.

The Regional Minister concluded his welcome address by acknowledging all those who

had to travel to be part of the celebration. He paid a glowing tribute to all Health staff

and volunteers, Regional and District Health Directorate, National TB unit and the TB

Ambassador who in diverse ways are working to reduce the pain and suffering of TB

patients.

8.2.2 ADDRESS BY WHO COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVE

Dr. Owens Laws Kaluwa delivering his address during the launch.

8.2.3 REMARKS BY DIRECTOR PUBLIC HEALTH, GHANA HEALTH SERVICE

Dr. Badu Sarkodie-Director Public Health indicated that over the years we have called

all Ghanaians to get involved in the fight against TB. He said the Response has been

encouraging. This year and beyond, we are challenged to take the fight against TB to a

higher level towards ending TB by 2035.

Director Public Health said he is glad to see that Ghana is on a different level of

innovation, where traditional authorities have assumed the rightful place to ensure that

no one is left behind as we unite to end TB.

He commended Nana Ehunabobrim Prah Agyenism VI for accepting to be the National

TB Ambassador and hope that we will win the war against stigma under your

leadership with Nananom and all others. On a day like this, as the whole world

commemorates World TB day, it is important to recognize the importance of educating

the public about the threat posed by the disease.

Dr. Badu Sarkodie said TB is a curable disease spread through the air when an infected

person coughs and does not cover his mouth. He releases the germs into the air and

when one inhales these germs can get infected. TB is not spread through spiritual

means. Though some Ghanaians believe in spiritual causes of the diseases. Let us try

our best to encourage people who have been coughing persistently to seek medical

attention for free diagnosis and free treatment for the entire treatment period.

He continued and said the fight against TB, and particularly multiple drug resistance

Tuberculosis (MDR TB), is one of the humanitarian challenges of our time. Tuberculosis

continues to wage war on mankind. For over decades however, we have improved our

strategies to fight this menace. Thankfully, today we are making World TB Day with the

theme: ‘Unite to end TB “and with the slogan leave no one behind.

Director Public Health said as individuals we take a breath in order to undertake every

activity, talking, singing, shouting, dancing to mention a few. Therefore any disease that

affects this vital activity has not only distressing and eventual fatal consequence, to the

individual; it also affects productivity and therefore economic well-being of our

peoples. Disease riddled lungs cannot support active productive life. It is against this

background that I call on all stakeholders’ to unite to end TB.

Dr. Badu Sarkodie concluded his speech by reiterating the need to recognize the

importance of generally informing the general public about the threat also posed by

exposure to risk factors to poor lung health. Indoor and outdoor air pollution, asthma,

smoking; pneumonia among others affects lung health and breathing. Most of these

conditions are preventable if the risk factors are avoided. It is the lack of awareness and

knowledge in risk factors that has contributed to the poor state of health of many

Ghanaians with TB as a severe casualty.

8.2.4 UPDATE ON TB CONTROL IN GHANA, PROGRAMME MANAGER NTP

Dr. Frank Bonsu-the Programme Manager NTP also re-echoed the theme for World TB

Day in 2017, UNITE TO END TB. He said uniting to end TB is a global call that is led by

Governments, civil societies, communities, NGO’s ,those affected and infected by the

disease, health workers, traditional leaders, industry, Academia and development

partners. The Programme Manager said in the 1900’s TB was the greatest killer in the

Gold Coast (killing half of its victims: 50% mortality), and still remains a silent killer

today. (7.8 % mortality).

He said Tarkwa and Obuasi was the epicenter for the TB epidemic in the 20th century in

Ghana, owing to intense mining activities that attracted migrant workers across the

country. Northerners walked all the way from the North to find work in the mines

down south here Tarkwa and Obuasi. Our brothers from the North arrived tired,

exhausted, weak and malnourished, so they easily succumbed to tuberculosis owing to

weakened immunity.

Dr. Bonsu further indicated today the situation and picture is quite different. The TB

Epidemic is generalized affecting every region, district and community. In 2016 the

nation recorded 14,632 new TB cases. Since 2011 the annual number of reported TB

cases has declined gradually from approximately 16,000 to a little above 14,000

presently.

This is a cause for celebration, because prevalence survey (study) conducted by the

National TB control programme in 2013 showed that the TB burden in the country is

much higher than previously estimated-4times higher. He cautioned we are sitting on a

time bomb and HIV will only shorten the fuse. He went on to say that the declining TB

notification rates are reflected also in the declining financing for TB control activities.

Globally there is a call on countries to end TB without catastrophic cost to patients. TB

control in Ghana is confronted with a dilemma of removing cost to patients in the face

of declining resources. One proposed solution to overcome problem is, we unite to end

TB. A call for multisectoral action to leave no one behind he said. On TB treatment

outcomes the programme manager said the TB treatment success is a good measure of

programme quality. The National TB treatment success rate is 87%; three (3) percentage

point short of the National treatment success target of 90%. In spite of technical and

logistics challenges in supporting patient care, four regions exceptionally performed

beyond expectation and deserve the people of Ghana acclamation and commendation.

The Programme Manager singled out Regional Health leaderships of Greater Accra,

Northern, Western and Brong Ahafo regions for praise for an outstanding above

average performance for TB treatment success above 90%. Greater Accra region has

most impressive mortality record of 4.6% and Brong Ahafo Region were the best with

defaulter rate of 0.7%. These are incredible performances by TB control; standards and

offer us hope as a Nation. Our challenge remains low TB case detection. Currently the

programme is detecting a third of expected 44,000 cases annually. We are therefore

leaving no one behind to find the missing TB cases. We must unite to end TB. Stigma is

a formidable enemy, but with leadership provided by the National TB Ambassador and

a call for action by stakeholders, we will unite to overcome it. With a little more push

from mining industry, Ghana Health Service, would have a wonderful story to tell the

rest of the world in the coming years. The country has the capacity to end the TB

epidemic.

He however lamented that we have funding and human resource gaps, which are

slowing down our accelerated efforts towards achieving national Goals for TB control.

The declining support for patient care is leading to increasing numbers of the dreaded

Multi drug resistant TB. We continue to count on the support from the media if the fight

against TB. Dr. Bonsu commended the media for being innovative and congratulated

the Western regional Health Directorate, Municipal health services, Municipal

assembly, and the planning committee of this event a great job done. He ended by

saying this is to have yearlong activities with support from all stakeholders uniting to

end TB.

8.2.5 TESTIMONY BY TB SATIFIED CLIENT

A TB patient, Madam Sarah Baidoo was called upon to share her untold and success

story as a TB patient. She explained how she sought spiritual help and after it failed her

resorted to medical assistance at a health facility at Esuoso Health Centre in the Tarkwa

Nsuaem district. She said the facility staffs were very supportive during the course of

treatment. She said the family assisted her to go through treatment after she was

diagnosed. She said she could now go about her normal business. She called on all to

report early to the nearest health facility if they see signs and symptoms of the disease.

8.2.6 ADDRESSED BY TB AMBASSADOR

The TB Ambassador, Ehunabobrim Nana Prah Agyensaim giving address said in 1954

a group of people both local and expatriates established Ghana Society of Prevention of

Tuberculosis. (GSPT) The Head of States of Ghana accepted to be the patron. The first

Patron was Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and since then all succeeding Heads of

State have been officially informed as the Patron of Ghana Society of Prevention of

Tuberculosis. The history of GSPT emphasizes the importance the Nation put on

Tuberculosis Control. The only surviving pioneers founder of the society who is an 86

year old Physician (Dr. Nicholas Deheer) passionately wanted the work of GSPT to

continue and recommended to the National Tuberculosis Control the need for a worthy

TB advocate to unite to end TB without pre conditions and to leave no one behind in

the process.

Nana Prah Agyensaim he offered to take up this herculean task for public good and to

ensure that the health of Ghanaians is protected on compassion and humanitarian

grounds. The GSPT work is on purely voluntarily basis without any remuneration. He

said he will invite as many Ghanaians to unite to end TB since 1964. The theme for this

years’ World TB day is therefore timely and appropriate and will lead to accelerating

effort towards ending TB.

Nana indicated since his appointment to this honorable high office of leading the

crusade against TB, he has worked with the National TB Control Programme to plan a

massive sustained educational campaign.

Nana said he is happy today the Honorable Minister of Health, will be launching the

call to action song to back the yearlong educational activities. In his own humble ways

he has also managed to link the National TB Control programme to a reputable

organization in South Africa to research and implement impactful programme to the

Ghanaian peoples. He respectfully sought audience with Regional House of Chiefs to

engage Nananom to lead the fight against TB stigma in their communities, in the next

couple of months. As we unite to end TB, he will also be calling on District Chief

Executives, Ministers of State, Media House to unite to work kick out TB from Ghana.

In conclusion Nana Prah Agyensaim said he is grateful to the cooperation and support

he received from Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health and National TB Control

programme specifically.

8.2.7 KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY DIRECTOR GENERAL (DG) - GHANA HEALTH

SERVICE

The keynote address was delivered by the Director General of Ghana Health Service, Dr

Anthony Nsiah Asare on behalf of the Minister of Health Hon. Kwaku Agyeman Manu.

He said as the nation celebrates its 60th Independence Anniversary; we have not lost

focus on the health of its citizenry. The minister indicated that TB is easy to cure and is

fatal to ignore. It is such a formidable enemy that we should be armed with

information, knowledge and skills to combat it anywhere and everywhere.

Dr Nsiah-Asare said, as we celebrate World TB Day, he would like to draw in

particular, business community attention to the fact that our long-term interest in

ensuring the development of human capacity, to the economy can seriously be

undermined by tuberculosis. Especially in this era of HIV/AIDS. TB is the leading killer

among people suffering from HIV/AIDS in Ghana. TB is also a major cause of death in

women of child bearing age.

About a third of the adult population in Ghana is affected (not disease) with and if one

in every ten of this people will become sick with active TB in his/her life time then we

need to wake up.

The theme for commemorating this year’s World TB Day is “UNITE TO END TB”. TB is

spread by airborne bacteria that settle in the lungs and cause long-term infection.

We have definitely made some progress, as we see that the proportion of patients

successfully treated is on the ascendency, those dying have relatively decreased, and

treatment adherence is better. More than 140,000 TB patients have been put on

treatment during the last decade.

In 2005 African Health Ministers declared TB as an African emergency, in Maputo.

Tuberculosis (TB) was organized, and still poses a threat to National security.

TB treatment and diagnostic services coverage of districts with modern equipment’s

have increased to about 60% of total number of districts. A plan to mobilize resources to

expand coverage to entire country is currently underway. The National TB Control

Programme has successfully led the implementation of two health sector strategic plans

2002-2006 and 2009-2013 and is currently implementing a third plan, 2015 – 2020.

The funding mechanism for these strategic plans included Global Fund to fight TB, HIV

and Malaria support.

So far the scope of interventions implemented have covered, successful engagement of

civil society and private providers, the deployment of over 113 newer diagnostic Gene

Xpert machines, Digital x-rays equipment, hearing aids to mention a few.

Dr. Nsiah-Asare said he is happy to announce that the government is working with

the Global fund to remodel a facility for a modern infection disease hospital to

contain the menacing threat of multi drug resistant TB and other emerging infectious

diseases. It is expected that such an overdue desirable state of the art infectious

disease facility will be completed by the end of next year. THE FULLY equipped

facility is projected to cost about $1million dollars.

The Ministry of Health continues to work to protect the health of Ghanaians. In

collaboration with Ghana Health Service, The National TB Control programme has

successfully engaged other private providers and restricted access to anti-TB drug in

the country to prevent development of drug resistance TB. This successful approach

without legislation is serving as an example and a model that is currently being

considered for others to follow worldwide.

He saluted all health workers who are committed in the fight against TB and the

partners in Stop TB Ghana (NGO’s and the civil society organizations). You have come

from all over the ten regions of Ghana to Tarkwa to renew your commitment to fight

TB. The people of this country are grateful for your selfless contribution in the fight

against TB.

On behalf of the government of Ghana, he thanked all development partners whose

contributions has impact on TB control in Ghana, and just to mention a few, WHO,

USAID, The Netherlands Government, DANIDA, CCM Ghana, and the Global fund.

8.2.8 STIGMA REDUCTION CAMPAIGN LAUNCH

Tuberculosis is a taboo that could disqualify a third generation child of a sufferer

(former patient), from marriage or admittance to a company’s employment, and

therefore must not be taken lightly. He said despite commendable efforts “Urgent

and extraordinary actions must be taken, fighting the stigma associated with the

disease.” Today we are all embracing the theme of World TB day to “UNITE” for more

action against TB Stigma. “NO ONE SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND, LET US UNITE TO

END TB”

Dr Nsiah Asare declared 2017 World TB Day, and the yearlong Stigma reduction

campaign activities duly launched.

9.0 VOTE OF THANKS

Ms. Florence Lumor Pinto (Senior Nursing Officer at Tarkwa Municipal Hospital)

thanked the dignitaries and entire gathering for making the launch a success.

10.0 CLOSING

The closing prayer was said by a representative from the Muslim Mission-Tarkwa.

11.0 FINANCIAL REPORT

The financial report is based on the following heading:

I. Budget Estimate

II. Expenditure

III. Accounting

12.0 BUDGET ESTIMATE

An amount of Fifty Three Thousand Five Hundred and Eighty Ghana Cedis (GHC

53,580.00) was approved and released for the launching

13.0 EXPENDITURE

Expenditure was made according to the budget estimates. Expenditures were group

according to items of expenditure as funds are disbursed.

NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL

World TB Day Commemoration 2017

Line Items

No. of

persons/items

No. of

days/times

Unit

Cost

(GHc)

Total

Amount

(GHc)

1 LAUNCH DAY

1.1 Canopy (Marquis) 22 1 30 690

1.2 Hiring of Venue 1 1 1 500

1.3 Chairs(foldable) 700 1 700 700

1.4 P.A System / Sound 1 1 1000 1000

1.5 Transport for chairs and canopies 1 1 400 400

1.6 Decoration 1 1 400 400

1.7 Drama Troupe (Traditional dancers) 1 1 800 1000

1.8 Brass Band 1 1 610 610

1.9 Cleaning of venue grounds 10 2 10 200

1.1 Hiring of Mobile Toilet 3 1 120 360

1.11 Fuel for Ambulance Crew 1 1 300 300

1.12 Ushers 10 1 70 700

1.13 Fuel for Regional Crew 1 1 3000 2250

1.14 Video and Photography 1 1 3000 3000

1.15 First Aid Providers 5 1 100 500

Sub Total 12610

2

PUBLICITY AND PRESS

COVERAGE (TARKWA)

2.1 Regional Press Crew 1 1 2600 2600

2.2 Local Press Crew 7 1 100 700

2.3 Hiring of Vehicle for Regional Press 1 1 500 500

2.4 Jingle Production 1 1 300 300

2.5 Playing of Jingles 1 1 200 800

2.6 Fuel for Street Announcement 20 1 20.5 410

2.7 T&T for Radio Discussion 3 4 20 240

2.8 Fuel for Radio Discussion 20 1 20 200

2.9 Security deployment for route march 4 1 100 400

2.1 Radio Announcement - Region 1 1 770 770

2.11 Media Briefing 1 1 400 400

2.12

Allowance for Commentators &

Driver (Street Announcement) 1 1 320 400

2.13 Snap Cards for Committee Member 8 1 10 100

2.14 Banners and accessories and Placards 7 1 200 3005

2.15 Hosting of Banners 3 1 50 150

Sub Total 10975

3 LOCAL PLANNING ACTIVITIES

3.1

Fuel for bus to convey students

(Midwifery Training College) 20 1 20 200

3.2 Fuel for local runs 50 1 20 1312

3.3 Lunch for LOC 1 1 964 964

3.4 Lunch for participants 330 1 10 3300

3.5 Lunch for participants 545 1 15 8175

3.6 Buffet Lunch for dignitaries 70 1 40 2800

3.7 Drinks 1 1 664 794

3.8 Stationery 1 1 100 100

3.9 Sachet Water 50 1 2.5 125

3.1 Mineral water (boxes) 50 1 18.5 925

3.11 Breakfast for float 300 1 5 1000

3.12 Honorarium for Support Staff 3 1 100 300

3.13

Honorarium for Planning Committee

members 10 5 200 10000

Sub Total 29995

Grand Total 53580

14.0 ACCOUNTABILITY

This financial report was submitted through the Municipal Accountant to the Municipal

Director of Health. All the original receipt and payment vouchers were deposited with

the accountant as per request made in respect of activities.

14.0 PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT

In order to ensure the smooth implementation of the launch there was a lot of

partnership and collaboration with AngloGold Iduapriem Mine and this was evidenced

in the planning meetings organized and correspondence between the two partners.

There was also support from organizations both at the national and regional/ municipal

level. Below is the list of partners.

NTP/ Global Fund

WHO

Regional/District Health Directorate

Municipal/ Regional Coordinating Council

Ghana Manganese Company- Wassa Nsuta

Western Transport- Tarkwa

16.0 LESSONS LEARNT

Some few challenges were encountered during the planning and implementation of the

launch. Below are the challenges

The late arrival of some of the participants to the program. This delayed the start of

the program

17.0 CONCLUSION

Overall, the national launch the 2017 World TB Day Commemoration at Tarkwa in the

Western Region was successful. This was done through the various activities that were

organized both before and during the launch. It is however important to note that the

launch was not without its own challenges such as late arrival of the participants and

late released of funds from the National level. This resulted in the slow take off of the

program.

PHOTO GALLERY